Senior Climate Adaptation and Resilience Advisor at Power Shift Africa (PSA)

The Senior Adaptation and Resilience Advisor will report directly to the Programmes Manager and will supervise the Programme Officer(s). The incumbent will also work closely with the Programmes Director and the PSA Director, as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Research and analysis

• Develop evidence-based policy positions and briefings on climate adaptation in Africa and share with African decision-makers and stakeholders to inform adaptation work streams in the UNFCCC and related regional policy processes including shaping the work on the Global Goal on Adaptation.
• Provide technical leadership and undertake research on strategic and forward-looking ideas, documenting experiences and lessons including from smallholder farmers and pastoralists to strengthen adaptation and resilience approaches in Africa and global policy dialogues.
• Collaborate with the relevant teams in the production of workshop materials, technical papers, long-form reports, and other relevant materials with the support of the Power Shift Africa team and other stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute a program of activity and engagement to socialize the insights of PSA’s adaptation and resilience work directly with regional and international stakeholders from states, non-state, and civil society sectors.
• Develop and execute a strategy to deliver insights directly into key diplomacy initiatives actively governing adaptation and resilience policy.
• Strengthen the capacity of decision-makers, civil society, and local actors such as small-holder farmers and pastoralists to better address adaptation needs in Africa.
• Scope and manage the establishment of a regional dialogue platform on adaptation and resilience, creating a much-needed space for evidenced debate and discussion that can inform perspectives and decisions.
• Liaise with related PSA programs to closely coordinate direct advisory to key stakeholders including governments, the AGN, the AMCEN, etc. leveraging PSA’s climate adaptation and resilience work.
• Facilitate initiatives to strengthen engagement with other strategic actors and networks across the spectrum and bring the African perspective to international discussions.

Communication

• Work in liaison with the PSA Media and Strategic Communications team to produce multiple forms of thought leadership on key themes, helping to synthesize analytical insights and bring clarity and structure to complex adaptation and resilience topics.
• Collaborate in preparing African narratives and communication materials that elevate adaptation and achieve greater visibility for smallholder farmers and the role of agriculture research and development in meeting their adaptation needs within the global climate dialogues.
• Engage in public speaking on the program’s behalf where necessary.

Programme Coordination

• Provide technical expertise with program design by offering evidence-based insights and policy analysis that inform project planning and implementation.
• Coordinate regularly and engage on stakeholder engagement on project-related deliverables
• Contribute technical and policy insights to fundraising proposals, ensuring content reflects the latest climate adaptation priorities.
• Share monitoring and learning insights by analyzing data to identify policy implications and provide recommendations for strategic adjustments, ensuring both program delivery and policy influence are harmonized.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and support junior Adaptation and Resilience staff to build capacity and encourage career growth
• Conduct periodic one-on-one sessions and performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback and recognizing achievements.
• Identify growth opportunities, recommend relevant training, and support team members’ career advancement through tailored development plans.
• Promote and encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork across diverse groups, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.

Desired Qualification and Experience

• Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development, International Development, Public Policy, Climate Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
• Over 8 years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on climate adaptation and resilience, preferably with a focus on regional/global negotiation processes.
• In-depth knowledge of climate policy, with a proven track record of collaborating with stakeholders on climate policy development in Africa.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with national governments, regional and international institutions, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in climate adaptation and resilience across Africa.
• Proven ability to engage international stakeholders and facilitate high-level dialogues, including extensive professional experience in relationship management, public relations, and political liaison with senior government officials.
• Strong understanding of Africa’s climate and development landscape, political economy, and engagement with development partners.